Wed Jan 22 01:20:00 IST 2025: ## Liverpool Edge Past 10-Man Lille to Secure Champions League Knockout Stage Berth

**Liverpool, England** – Liverpool secured their place in the Champions League round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over a 10-man Lille side at Anfield on Tuesday. Mohamed Salah reached a significant milestone, scoring his 50th European goal for the Reds, while substitute Harvey Elliott’s deflected strike proved the winner.

Salah opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a superb curling effort after a swift counter-attack. However, Lille, despite playing a man down after Aïssa Mandi’s second yellow card in the 59th minute, fought back. Jonathan David, who has now scored five goals in the Champions League this season, equalized three minutes later.

Liverpool’s response was immediate. Elliott’s shot, deflected into the net in the 67th minute, restored the Reds’ lead, securing the crucial victory. A late offside call denied Darwin Núñez a third goal.

Despite several missed chances by Salah, including one on one with the goalkeeper, Liverpool’s defensive resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive. Manager Jurgen Klopp will be pleased with the team’s ability to overcome the challenge posed by a determined Lille side, who are currently undefeated in 21 consecutive games across all competitions.

Liverpool will now travel to PSV Eindhoven for their final group stage match on January 29th, while Lille host Feyenoord. The Reds’ qualification for the knockout phase underscores their continued ambition in European competition.

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